The Thomistic Institute Newman and Tolkien: The Humility of (Hi)story – Prof. Giuseppe Pezzini
Oct 22, 2025
Prof. Giuseppe Pezzini, an Associate Professor at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, delves into the profound connections between John Henry Newman and J.R.R. Tolkien. He reveals how both figures share an organic view of historical development, addressing themes of nostalgia and progress. Their contrasting perspectives on renewal versus restoration enrich the discussion. Pezzini also highlights Tolkien’s narratives as reflections of modern trauma, drawing insightful parallels between literary motifs and spiritual growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tolkien’s Early Oratory Connections
- Mabel Tolkien converted at the Birmingham Oratory and connected the Tolkien family to John Henry Newman’s circle.
- Francis Morgan, an Oratorian and Newman's secretary, acted as a second father and patron to young J.R.R. Tolkien.
Newman: Development, Not Reversion
- Newman sees Christianity as deepening through history rather than returning to a purer origin.
- He argued 'to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.'
Tolkien’s Sense Of Decline
- Tolkien frames history as a narrative of decline shaped by loss across ages, linked to his Christian outlook.
- He wrote that history for him 'is nothing but a long defeat.'
